Athletics were an incredible vehicle for me to create life long friendships, an outlet to express and focus my inner competitive drive, and a means to develop self confidence and a sense of personal pride.

Through athletics I learned to set goals, I learned the sense of focus necessary to achieve my goals and I learned how to accept failure during times I fell short of my goal.

While I did have an inner competitiveness to do my very best in whatever sport I tried, I know that I was ultimately successful because of the support of my family. My parents, sister, grandma, aunts and uncles were a continual source of encouragement and support during my athletic career. I was always grateful to have their support on the sidelines and to have them to share in my accomplishments. I wanted to make them proud and am thankful for the sacrifices my parents made to see me succeed. I was honored to compete for Lincoln High School and loved all of my coaches, teammates and mentors.

Sportsmanship is something I have always believed in. As my 3 young children begin athletics my goal for them is to be known first and foremost for their character on and off the field above any potential future sporting accomplishments they may have. If they have the same love for athletics that I did, that is wonderful, and if not that is also wonderful. I want them to follow their own passions and create their own path and will always support their lead.